Bluetongue: Farmers report worrying rise in cases of abortion and birth defects in calves

It has been a very difficult calving season for farmers with a growing number of cows aborting or giving birth to calves with birth complications after testing positive for bluetongue

Chris Brayford
clock • 5 min read
Since July 2025, there have been 318 positive cases of bluetongue in the UK. Positive cases of bluetongue on farms across the UK have resulted in calves being born, in some instances, blind, with abnormal brain tissue, and neurological disorders.
Image:

Since July 2025, there have been 318 positive cases of bluetongue in the UK. Positive cases of bluetongue on farms across the UK have resulted in calves being born, in some instances, blind, with abnormal brain tissue, and neurological disorders.

Farmer have been urged to make preparations to vaccinate livestock as soon as possible after a growing number of worrying bluetongue cases within a 21 day period during the Spring calving season. Between...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Livestock

OPINION: A stubborn ewe and a short fuse – lambing time fun
Livestock

OPINION: A stubborn ewe and a short fuse – lambing time fun

Livestock specialist Katie Fallon discusses the highs and lows of working with sheep

Katie Fallon
clock 21 April 2026 • 2 min read
Livestock farmers set to share their environmental journey
Livestock

Livestock farmers set to share their environmental journey

New dataset hopes to show how much has been achieved on road to net zero

Jane Thynne
clock 21 April 2026 • 2 min read
OPINION: Stepping into the rostrum made clear that the job is best left to the professionals
Livestock

OPINION: Stepping into the rostrum made clear that the job is best left to the professionals

A keen market attender, livestock reporter Ellie Layton gave auctioneering a go in a YFC competition this weekend, giving her a whole new appreciation for what it takes to be an auctioneer

Ellie Layton
clock 20 April 2026 • 2 min read